Legislature still struggling to fulfill Abbott's demand on trees

The dome of the Texas State Capital is seen through trees in Austin, Texas. (AP File Photo)

The dome of the Texas State Capital is seen through trees in Austin, Texas. (AP File Photo)

Photo: Eric Gay, STF

Photo: Eric Gay, STF

Image
1of/1

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 1

The dome of the Texas State Capital is seen through trees in Austin, Texas. (AP File Photo)

The dome of the Texas State Capital is seen through trees in Austin, Texas. (AP File Photo)

Photo: Eric Gay, STF

Legislature still struggling to fulfill Abbott's demand on trees

1 / 1

Back to Gallery

AUSTIN -- Cities would still be able to stop homeowners from cutting down trees on their property that are ten inches or less in diameter under a compromise move the Texas Senate agreed to early Tuesday morning to preserve one of Gov. Greg Abbott's top priorities.

Since Abbott called a special session in June, the House and Senate have been struggling to reach a deal on a proposed law aimed at blocking cities from going too far in stopping homeowners from cutting down trees on their own property. Abbott has made tree cutting ordinances part of 20 items he ordered the Texas Legislature to take up during their 30-day special session.

State Sen. Lisa Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, has argued that it is a private property rights issue in which people should be able to do what they want with their land. But opponents have fought back by arguing that it is classic overreach of the state trying to undo city tree ordinances that are popular in cities fighting to preserve valuable tree canopy.

The Senate initially sought to prevent cities from stopping homeowners and small developers - those with 24 lots - from cutting down trees 24 inches in diameter or less on their property, essentially preserving only the largest of trees.

The Senate later retreated on exempting small developers, and then last night and into early Tuesday agreed to a House proposal that would allow cities to bar removal of trees that are less than 10 inches but maintains a provision that bars cities from charging people fees when they want to remove a tree on their property.

"This bill is in a better place," Kolkhorst said.in a debate that raged for well over an hour.

The bill must still go back to the House for at least one more vote in order to be sent to Abbott for his approval.